Record breaking online bookings point to good news for travel sector

Holiday Extras, the UK’s leader in travel add-ons including airport parking, hotels, lounges and travel insurance has announced a record breaking number of online bookings on 10 January 2012.

Direct parking and hotel bookings rose by 28 per cent and reservations for airport lounges were up by a massive 103% from last year - showing that customers are fighting the mood of austerity and opting for comfort and a touch of luxury.

Online bookings were up by 32% on last year with 93% of the total of the bookings coming via the website with the rest being taken over the phone.

Matthew Pack, CEO, Holiday Extras said: “We expect to be busy in January and have recently expanded the team to service the extra volume of bookings. Market commentators are in danger of bringing us all down, and impacting buyers’ attitudes. There are reasons to be cheerful. Bookings at Holiday Extras bode well for the entire travel sector, and there are great deals to be had.

“Our message has always been to book ahead and save money. Adding an airport lounge or an evening meal to the hotel or parking booking makes very little difference to the cost of the trip – but it makes a lot of difference when it comes to experiencing a hassle free start to the holiday.”